Redoing a small kitchen often takes about 6 to 10 weeks of active work. This general timeframe can change a lot. The exact kitchen remodel duration depends on many things. These include how much work you want done and if you do it yourself or hire help. A small kitchen renovation timeline can be short if you only update a few things. It can be longer for a full tear-out and rebuild. Most people want to know, “How long does it take to redo a small kitchen?” The simple answer is that it varies. But we can look at what affects the time. You can do a DIY kitchen renovation, but it often takes more time than a professional kitchen remodel timeframe. This guide helps you see the steps and time needed.
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Setting Expectations: How Long Will It Take?
A small kitchen can feel big when it comes to getting work done. Many things play a part in how long your project takes. Knowing these things helps you plan better. It makes the work go smoother.
Average Kitchen Reno Time: The Quick Answer
For a small kitchen, a full remodel usually takes 6 to 10 weeks. This means from demolition to the last coat of paint. This estimate is for the actual work time. It does not include planning or waiting for items. A kitchen facelift completion can be much faster. It might take just 1 to 3 weeks. This depends on what you change. For a full redo, figure on 2 to 3 months. This is a common average kitchen reno time.
Factors That Change Your Timeline
Many things can make your project longer or shorter. Think about these when you plan.
Kitchen Size (Even Small Ones Vary)
Even “small” kitchens differ. Some are tiny, like a galley kitchen. Others are small but have a tricky layout. More corners or unique shapes can add time. Each extra foot of counter or cabinet means more work.
Work Scope (Facelift vs. Full Redo)
What are you changing?
* A simple kitchen facelift: This might mean new paint, new light fixtures, or new cabinet doors. You keep the main layout. This is quick. It is often done in 1 to 3 weeks.
* A full gut job: This means taking everything out. You move walls. You change plumbing or electrical lines. This is a big job. It takes more time. It often takes 8 to 12 weeks or more. This is a full project schedule kitchen update.
DIY vs. Professional Remodel Timeframe
Who does the work matters a lot.
* DIY kitchen renovation length: If you do it yourself, it might take longer. You might work only on weekends. You might learn as you go. This can stretch the time. It might take 3 to 6 months. Or even longer.
* Professional kitchen remodel timeframe: Pros work full-time. They have tools and experience. They can do the job faster. They have crews. This helps keep the project moving. They often finish faster.
Material Availability
Waiting for things can slow you down.
* Custom cabinets: These take a long time to make. They might take 6 to 12 weeks to arrive.
* Special countertops: Some stone or unique materials need time.
* Appliances: Popular models can be on backorder.
Always order big items early. Do this before demolition starts.
Hidden Problems
Sometimes, you find problems after you start.
* Old pipes: Leaky pipes behind walls need fixing.
* Bad wiring: Old electrical systems might need upgrades.
* Mold or rot: Water damage can add unexpected work.
These surprises add time and cost. It is good to have some extra time in your plan.
The Stages of Your Small Kitchen Renovation Timeline
A kitchen remodel has many steps. Each step takes time. Knowing these steps helps you see the full picture. We will break down a typical small kitchen renovation timeline.
Phase 1: Planning and Design (Weeks 1-4)
This phase happens before any real work starts. It is one of the most important parts. Good planning saves time later.
Idea Gathering and Budget Setting
- Look for ideas: Find pictures of kitchens you like. Think about what you need. How do you use your kitchen?
- Set a budget: Decide how much you can spend. This guides all your choices. Be real about costs.
- Make a wish list: Write down everything you want. Then, pick what is most important.
Hiring a Pro (If You Need One)
- Get recommendations: Ask friends or family. Look online for good reviews.
- Interview contractors: Talk to a few pros. Ask about their experience. Ask for past work examples.
- Check references: Call people they have worked for. Make sure they are reliable.
- Sign a contract: Make sure everything is written down. This includes costs and timeline.
Finalizing the Design
- Work with a designer: A pro can draw up plans. They help make the best use of your space.
- Review layouts: Look at different ways your kitchen can be set up. Think about how you move around.
- Get final drawings: Make sure the plans are clear. Everyone should agree on them.
Picking Materials and Appliances
This is fun but can take time.
* Cabinets: Pick style, color, and finish.
* Countertops: Choose material like granite, quartz, or laminate.
* Flooring: Wood, tile, or vinyl.
* Backsplash: Tiles, stone, or other materials.
* Appliances: Fridge, oven, dishwasher, microwave. Pick sizes that fit your space.
* Sink and Faucet: Think about style and how you use them.
* Lighting: Under-cabinet lights, ceiling lights, pendants.
Ordering Items (Lead Times Matter!)
Order everything early. Some items take weeks or months to arrive. This is a big part of the overall kitchen remodel duration.
| Item | Average Lead Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Cabinets | 1-3 weeks | Readily available, less custom choices. |
| Semi-Custom Cabinets | 4-8 weeks | Some choice in sizes and finishes. |
| Custom Cabinets | 8-12+ weeks | Built to order, most flexibility. |
| Countertops | 1-4 weeks | After template is made. Fabrication time varies. |
| Appliances | 2-8 weeks | Popular models may take longer. Check stock. |
| Flooring | 1-3 weeks | If special order. Stock items are quicker. |
| Windows/Doors | 4-12+ weeks | If changing size or type. |
Always confirm lead times with your suppliers. This helps with your project schedule kitchen update.
Phase 2: Demolition and Prep (Days 1-5)
This is when the real physical work begins. It can be messy and loud.
Kitchen Demolition Time: Tearing It Out
- Protect your home: Cover floors and furniture. Seal off doorways. This keeps dust from spreading.
- Remove old items: Take out old cabinets, counters, sink, and appliances.
- Tear down walls (if needed): If your plan changes the layout, walls might come down.
- Clean up: Remove all debris. Haul it away.
For a small kitchen, demolition often takes 1 to 3 days. This is quick but dusty. This is your initial kitchen demolition time.
Site Prep and Protecting Your Home
- Dust control: Put up plastic sheets. Use floor runners.
- Set up a temporary kitchen: You will need a place to cook. A microwave and fridge in another room help.
- Safety first: Turn off power and water to the kitchen area.
Phase 3: Rough-Ins (Days 6-10)
This phase deals with the hidden parts of your kitchen. It is about getting the bones right.
Plumbing and Electrical Work
- Move lines: If your layout changes, pipes and wires need to move. This includes water lines, drain lines, and gas lines.
- Add new outlets: You might want more power for new appliances.
- Install new wiring for lights: Plan where new light fixtures will go.
- HVAC work: If your heating or cooling vents need to move, this happens now.
This work usually takes 2 to 4 days. It must be done by licensed pros.
Framing Changes (If Needed)
- New walls: If you tore down a wall, new framing goes up.
- Doorways or window changes: Any new openings or changes to old ones happen now.
- Niches or custom features: If you want a built-in pantry, the frame goes in.
Inspections (Crucial Step)
- City or county checks: Local rules often require inspections. They check plumbing, electrical, and structural work.
- Do not skip them: Skipping inspections can cause big problems later. It can make selling your home hard.
- Wait for approval: Do not move to the next step until inspectors approve the work. This might add a day or two of waiting.
Phase 4: Walls and Floors (Days 11-15)
Now, your kitchen starts to look like a room again.
Drywall and Painting
- Hang new drywall: If walls were moved or damaged, new drywall goes up.
- Patch and smooth: All seams are taped and mudded. Walls become smooth.
- Prime walls: A base coat helps the paint stick.
- Paint: Apply your chosen wall color. Often, two coats are needed.
This process takes 3 to 5 days, depending on how much wall work is needed.
Flooring Installation
- Prepare the subfloor: Make sure the floor below is flat and clean.
- Install new flooring: Lay down your chosen material. This might be tile, wood, or vinyl.
- Curing time: Some floors need time to set or dry. Follow product directions.
Flooring can take 1 to 3 days to install. Tile might need more time for grout to set.
Phase 5: Cabinet Installation Timeline (Days 16-25)
Cabinets are the backbone of your kitchen. Their installation is a key part of the small kitchen renovation timeline.
Putting in the Base Cabinets
- Leveling: Cabinets must be perfectly level. This is important for counters.
- Securing: They are screwed into the wall studs. This makes them sturdy.
- Arrangement: They are placed according to your design plan.
Base cabinets usually go in first.
Hanging the Wall Cabinets
- Measuring: Walls must be marked for correct placement.
- Lifting and securing: Wall cabinets are hung securely to the studs. This needs care.
- Aligning: They must line up perfectly with each other.
This is a precise job.
Adjustments and Finishing Touches
- Door and drawer fronts: These are put on. They are adjusted so they close well.
- Hardware: Knobs and pulls are installed.
- Soffits or fillers: Small pieces of wood fill gaps to make a clean look.
Cabinet installation can take 3 to 7 days for a small kitchen. It depends on how many cabinets you have. This is a major part of the cabinet installation timeline.
Phase 6: Countertops and Backsplash (Days 26-35)
New counters and backsplash make your kitchen shine.
Countertop Measurement and Template
- Precise measuring: After cabinets are in, a pro measures for counters.
- Making a template: For stone or custom counters, a exact pattern is made. This ensures a perfect fit.
- Fabrication: The counter is cut and polished off-site. This can take 1-2 weeks. You wait during this time.
Countertop Replacement Duration: Putting Them In
- Delivery: Your new counters arrive. They can be heavy.
- Installation: Pros carefully lift and set the counters in place. They glue them down.
- Sealing: Stone counters might need a sealer.
- Cutouts: Holes for the sink and faucet are cut.
This step itself is quick, often 1 day. But the waiting for fabrication adds to the countertop replacement duration.
Backsplash Work
- Tile layout: Decide on the pattern for your tiles.
- Installation: Tiles are glued to the wall.
- Grouting: Grout fills the spaces between tiles.
- Sealing: Some grout needs a sealer.
Backsplash takes 1 to 3 days. It can be done after counters are set.
Phase 7: Fixtures and Appliances (Days 36-40)
Your kitchen is almost ready to use!
Sink and Faucet Hookup
- Install the sink: The sink is put into the counter opening.
- Hook up plumbing: The plumber connects the water lines and drain.
- Install the faucet: The faucet is attached and tested for leaks.
This is usually a quick job for a pro.
Appliance Delivery and Install
- Move in appliances: Fridge, oven, dishwasher, and microwave are brought in.
- Hook up: They are connected to power, water, or gas lines.
- Test: Make sure all appliances work correctly.
This can take 1 to 2 days, depending on how many appliances you have.
Light Fixtures and Outlets
- Install lights: Put up ceiling lights, pendants, and under-cabinet lights.
- Add cover plates: Put on covers for outlets and light switches.
This brings light and finishes the electrical work.
Phase 8: Final Touches and Cleanup (Days 41-45)
The last steps make your new kitchen perfect.
Punch List Items
- Walk-through: Go through your new kitchen with your contractor. Look at everything.
- Make a list: Write down anything that is not quite right. This is the “punch list.”
- Fixing things: The contractor fixes any small issues. This might be a paint touch-up or an adjustment.
Cleaning Up
- Deep clean: Remove all construction dust. Clean every surface.
- Remove protective covers: Take off plastic sheets and floor coverings.
- Enjoy your new kitchen!
DIY Kitchen Renovation Length: Can You Do It Yourself?
Many people think about doing their kitchen remodel themselves. This can save money. But it often takes much longer.
Pros and Cons of DIY
Pros:
* Save money: You do not pay for labor.
* Control: You decide every detail.
* Learn new skills: You gain valuable experience.
Cons:
* Takes more time: It is a part-time job. You might only work weekends.
* Needs skills: You need to know about plumbing, electrical, and building.
* More stress: You handle all problems.
* Mistakes cost money: Errors can be expensive to fix.
* Permits: You still need to get permits and inspections.
Realistic DIY Project Schedule Kitchen Update
If you do it yourself, your small kitchen renovation timeline will be longer.
* Planning: Still 1-4 weeks or more.
* Demolition: 1-2 weekends.
* Rough-ins (if skilled): 1-3 weekends. Or you hire pros for these steps.
* Walls and floors: 1-2 weekends.
* Cabinet install: 1-2 weekends.
* Countertops: You might install laminate yourself (1 weekend). Stone needs pros.
* Fixtures and appliances: 1 weekend.
* Final touches: A few days here and there.
Total DIY kitchen renovation length often stretches to 3 to 6 months. Some take a year or more. It depends on your skill and time.
When to Hire a Pro, Even for DIY
Even if you do most of the work, some jobs are best for pros.
* Plumbing: Leaks can cause big damage.
* Electrical: Wrong wiring is dangerous. It can cause fires.
* Gas lines: This work must be done by a licensed pro.
* Structural changes: Moving walls that hold up your house needs an expert.
* Countertop fabrication: Stone counters are custom cut. This needs special tools.
These tasks are vital for safety and proper function. Do not take risks here.
Professional Kitchen Remodel Timeframe: What to Expect
Hiring professionals speeds up the kitchen remodel duration. They have a system.
Benefits of Hiring Experts
- Speed: Pros work full-time. They are efficient.
- Skill: They know how to do the job right.
- Experience: They have seen many problems. They know how to fix them fast.
- Tools: They have all the right equipment.
- Coordination: They manage plumbers, electricians, and other workers.
- Permits: They often handle the permit process.
- Warranty: Good contractors offer a warranty on their work.
How Pros Speed Things Up
- Dedicated teams: They have crews for each job.
- Fixed schedule: They work daily until the job is done.
- Problem-solving: They can quickly handle unexpected issues.
- Vendor relationships: They might get materials faster.
A professional kitchen remodel timeframe for a small kitchen is typically 6 to 10 weeks of active work. This is much faster than most DIY projects.
Kitchen Facelift Completion: A Faster Way?
If a full remodel is too much, a kitchen facelift can be a great option. It is faster and costs less.
What a Kitchen Facelift Involves
A facelift updates the look without changing the layout.
* Painting cabinets: A fresh coat of paint transforms old cabinets.
* New hardware: Changing knobs and pulls makes a big difference.
* New countertops: Replace old counters with new ones.
* New backsplash: Add a stylish tile backsplash.
* New light fixtures: Update old lights.
* New sink and faucet: Simple replacements.
* Painting walls: A fresh coat brightens the room.
* New appliances: Update old ones if needed.
You keep your existing cabinet boxes and layout.
How Long Does a Facelift Take?
A kitchen facelift completion can be very fast.
* Small updates (paint, hardware, lights): 1-3 days.
* Adding new counters and backsplash: 1-2 weeks (including template time for counters).
* Painting cabinets: This is the longest part. It can take 3-7 days for good prep and coats.
Overall, a kitchen facelift often takes 1 to 3 weeks. This is much quicker than a full gut job. It is a great way to improve your small kitchen quickly.
Speeding Up Your Kitchen Remodel Duration
You can do things to help your project go faster. Even a small kitchen renovation timeline can face delays.
Tips for a Smoother Project
- Plan everything early: The more decisions you make upfront, the better. Pick all materials before work starts.
- Order materials early: Ensure all items are on site or ready to ship. Do not let waiting for materials hold you up.
- Clear the space: Empty your kitchen completely before demolition.
- Be reachable: Respond quickly to questions from your contractor.
- Have a temporary kitchen: Set up a place to cook. This keeps your daily life going. It helps you avoid eating out too much.
- Be flexible: Expect some small issues. Things can always come up.
- Budget for surprises: Have 10-15% extra money. This helps cover unexpected costs or fixes.
Avoiding Delays
- Get all permits: Make sure your contractor gets all needed permits before work begins.
- Clear communication: Talk often with your contractor. Ask for daily updates.
- Inspect deliveries: Check all items when they arrive. Make sure they are the right items and not damaged.
- Do not change your mind often: Each change order adds time and cost. Stick to your plan.
- Ensure payment is prompt: Pay your contractor on time. This keeps the work flowing.
- Be ready for inspections: Make sure the work is ready when inspectors arrive.
By following these tips, you can help keep your small kitchen renovation timeline on track. It makes the kitchen remodel duration as short as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does a small kitchen reno typically take?
A small kitchen renovation often takes 6 to 10 weeks. This is for active work. It does not count planning time.
What is the quickest kitchen update?
A kitchen facelift is the quickest. It takes 1 to 3 weeks. This means painting, new hardware, or a new backsplash.
Can I use my kitchen during a remodel?
Not usually for a full remodel. You will likely need a temporary kitchen. For a facelift, you might be able to use parts of it.
What is the longest part of a kitchen remodel?
Waiting for custom cabinets or special order items can be the longest part. This can be 8 to 12 weeks.
Do I need permits for a small kitchen remodel?
Yes, if you move walls, plumbing, or electrical lines, you need permits. Your contractor should handle this.
How much dust will there be?
A lot! Especially during demolition. Your contractor should seal off the work area. They should use dust control methods.
Should I stay in my home during the renovation?
Many people stay. It can be noisy and dusty. You will not have a working kitchen. Some people choose to stay elsewhere for parts of the job.
What causes the most delays in a kitchen project?
Hidden problems, waiting for materials, and changes made during the work cause the most delays. Poor planning also causes delays.